Eph. 2:6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
For some people, heaven is a myth or maybe even a copout. For Jonathan Edwards nothing could be further from the truth. Even though Jonathan was known for his sermon ‘Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God’, heaven was constantly in his thoughts. To Edwards, heaven was a very real place. He viewed our lives as if we were pilgrims, strangers in a strange land; heaven was our real home. The struggle many of us have in our 21 century world is seeing the relevance of heaven. Right now, this world is crying for our attention. How can one think of heaven when he has mortgages, taxes, doctor bills, etc. crying for his attention. That is the challenge, living in this world while we are seated in heavenly places. Listen to Edwards as he speaks as if heaven is real and his experience of it is real right now.
“the privilege of being with Christ in heaven, where he sits on the right hand of God, in the glory of the King and God of angels, and of the whole universe, shining forth as the great light, the bright sun of that world of glory, there to dwell in the full, constant and everlasting view of his beauty and brightness, there most freely and intimately to converse with him, and fully to enjoy his love, as his friends and spouse, there to have fellowship with him in the infinite pleasure and joy he has in the enjoyment of his Father, there to sit with him on his throne, and reign with him in the possession of all things, and partake with him in the joy and glory of his victory over his enemies, and the advancement of his in the world, and to join with him in joyful songs of praise, to his Father and their Father, to his God and their God, forever and ever? Is not such a privilege worth the seeking after?”
Heaven is not just a far off place to be experienced in the sweet by and by. Heaven can be tasted now by the power of the Spirit. It is this experience, tasting the reality of the coming kingdom, that strengthens us for the journey right now. So if the cares of this world are blocking the glorious light of the coming kingdom, look to Jesus. Draw near to Him in worship and you too can enjoy the pleasures of the coming kingdom.
1 thought on “SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES”
Yes! The privilege of being with Christ and yes father may we taste heaven by the power of the spirit, may we taste of heaven daily!! May we taste and having that worship that goes on twenty four hours a day ,day and night HERE in our lives daily!! Ephesians 5:19-20 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs ,singing and making melody in your heart to the lord. 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.. More of you Jesus!!